JP2010538904A - Media device interface system and method for vehicle information system - Google Patents

Abstract

  An information system suitable for use in conjunction with a portable media device, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and a method of manufacturing and using the device. Information systems seamlessly integrate personal media devices with information systems and support simple ways to immerse users in a rich and intuitive media environment. When the personal media device and the information system are coupled, visual content from the personal media device is integrated into the information system via an interactive user interface system “in flight”. The personal media device may also receive control commands and / or operating power from the information system. Thus, the user can enjoy his / her own personal visual content from the personal media device via the enlarged image presentation system and / or the extended voice presentation system of the information system while recharging the internal battery of the personal media device. it can.

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to interface systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to systems suitable for interfacing personal media devices to a vehicle information system installed in a passenger car.

  Vehicles such as automobiles and airplanes may include vehicle information systems that satisfy passengers' demands to access visual content, such as entertainment, informational content, or other visual content while traveling.

  Conventional passenger information (ie, entertainment) systems typically include cabin video systems or seat-based video systems with personal controls that allow passengers to select visual content. Visual content may include audio image content derived from various content sources. Pre-recorded recording content such as video and music can be provided by internal content sources such as audio-video play on the vehicle. Conventional passenger information systems are also live television programs and / or Internet content transmitted from one or more content providers (ie, sources) that are external to the vehicle and / or remote from the vehicle. An antenna system for receiving visual content such as

  However, such conventional passenger information systems suffer from a number of drawbacks. Passengers may notice that the passenger information system is complex to operate and the visual content is difficult to enjoy. For example, it may be difficult to select visual content due to cumbersome placement and user control operations. Similarly, the imaging system of a passenger information system is typically placed distally from the passenger's controls, such as overhead and / or opposing seat backs. Furthermore, if one or more imaging systems become stuck, some or all of the passengers who ride the vehicle may be blocked from enjoying visual content. Conventional passenger information systems further require multiple interface points and multiple cables such as left audio, right audio, image, data, and / or power to communicate with the passenger's portable personal media device, Does not support remote control for personal media devices. The drawbacks of such systems are often a source of dissatisfaction with passengers traveling.

  In addition, passenger demand for visual content continues to evolve. Passengers not only want access to trendy visual content such as live TV programs and the latest games, but also want more information products and services such as internet access and shopping on the move to be available. Yes. Passengers also want to see their own personal use square content during travel, such as photo albums and / or music selections. However, conventional passenger information systems are limited to their fixed hardware technology and cannot easily be adapted to accept changing passenger visual content and other information adoption.

  As mentioned above, a need exists for an improved passenger information system and method for integrating passenger personal media devices into a passenger information system in order to overcome the barriers and deficiencies of conventional passenger information systems. Exist.

1 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating an embodiment of an interface system for interfacing a personal media device with an information system. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating the information system of FIG. 1, which includes a vehicle information system mounted on an automobile. FIG. 2B is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating the vehicle information system of FIG. 2A, which is mounted on an airplane. FIG. 3 is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating one preferred embodiment of a distribution system for the vehicle information system of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 3 is an exemplary top view showing a passenger cabin of a vehicle, on which the vehicle information system of FIGS. 2A and 2B is mounted. 4B is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating an embodiment of the vehicle information system of FIG. 4A, which communicates with the personal media system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating an embodiment of the vehicle information system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, which communicates with an iPod® digital electronic media device. FIG. 6 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating an embodiment of an integrated audio / image presentation system for the vehicle information system of FIG. FIG. 6B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6A, which includes visual content provided by an iPod® digital electronic media device and a vehicle information system. Supports selection with given visual content. FIG. 6B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6B, in which the integrated audio / image presentation system selects IPod ( Fig. 3 illustrates a menu structure of visual content available from a digital media device. 6D is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6C, where the menu structure of available visual content includes a hierarchical menu structure. 6D is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6C, where the menu structure of available visual content includes a hierarchical menu structure. 6B-E is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIGS. 6B-E, where the integrated audio / image presentation system shows selected visual content from an iPod® digital media device. 6A-F is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIGS. 6A-F, the integrated audio / image presentation system being a breakaway communication connector system for connecting a peripheral presentation system with the integrated audio / image presentation system. including. 7B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of the breakaway communication connector system of FIG. 7A. FIG. FIG. 8 is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a system contact configuration of the breakaway communication connector system of FIGS. 7A-B. FIG. 8B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8A, where the spacing between adjacent system contacts is not uniform. FIG. 8B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8A, where system contacts are provided as semicircles. 8D is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8C, where the spacing between adjacent system contacts is not uniform. 8B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8A, where the system contact includes a straight system contact configuration. FIG. FIG. 8B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8A, where the system contact includes a round contact configuration. FIG. 8B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating another embodiment of the contact configuration of FIG. 8A, where the system contact includes a pie-shaped contact configuration. FIG. 6B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a hardware architecture for implementing the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is an exemplary detail drawing illustrating an embodiment of a software architecture for implementing the integrated audio / image presentation system of FIG. 6A.

  It should be noted that the drawings are not drawn to scale, and elements of the same configuration or function are given the same reference numerals for illustration throughout, generally throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended to help describe the preferred embodiments. The drawings are not intended to illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

  The following US non-provisional patent applications are all owned by the assignee of the present application and have been filed with the present application. The disclosures of the following non-provisional patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING A PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH A VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM", patent attorney number 700546.4029, filed on September 12, 2008.

  "MEDIA DEVICE INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS", patent attorney case number 700546.4040, filed September 12, 2008.

  "PORTABLE USER CONTROL DEVICE METHOD FOR VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS", patent attorney case number 700546.4039, filed September 12, 2008.

  Currently available passenger information systems are complex to operate, limited by fixed hardware technology, and cannot be easily adapted to accept changing passenger visual content and other information adoption. Therefore, an information system that includes at least one communication interface capable of communicating with a personal media device is desirable, such as a vehicle information system that is used on a car, an airplane, and other types of vehicles during travel. Be the basis for a wide range of system applications. This result may be achieved by one embodiment disclosed herein with the information system 100 shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 1, an information system 100 configured for use with a personal (ie, portable) media device 200 is shown. Information system 100 seamlessly integrates personal media device 200 with information system 100 and supports a simple way for a user (ie, a passenger) to be immersed in a rich and intuitive media environment. When the personal media device 200 and the information system 100 are connected, visual content 210 from the personal media device 200 is in flight to the information system 100 via the interactive audio / image presentation system 600 (shown in FIGS. 6A-F). Can be integrated. The audio / image presentation system 600 may be labeled with appropriate brand insights. This allows the information system 100 to give the user the ability to easily switch between the visual content 210 provided by the information system 100 and the visual content 210 from the personal media device 200.

  The operation of the personal media device 200 is directly via the user control system 260 (see FIG. 5) of the personal media device 200 and / or via the input system 366 (see FIGS. 4A-B) for the information system 100. Indirectly, it can be controlled in a conventional manner. Thereby, the visual content 210 can be selected from audio and / or image visual content stored internally in the personal media system 200, communicated from the personal media system 200 to the information system 100, and the image presentation system (FIG. 4A-B) and / or via voice presentation system 364 (FIGS. 4A-B). Similarly, the personal media device 200 can exchange control signals (or instructions), such as user control signals (or user control instructions) 230 (see FIGS. 4A-B), with the information system 100 and / or information systems. Operation power (see FIGS. 7A-B) can be received from 100. This allows the user 700 to expand the larger image presentation system 362 and / or expansion of the information system 100 while the internal battery system of the internal battery system (not shown) of the personal media device 200 is being recharged. Via the audio presentation system 364, the user can enjoy his / her own visual content 210 from the personal media device 200.

The personal media device 200 can store audio and / or visual visual content 210 and is supplied as a handheld device, such as a laptop computer, palmtop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, and / or MP3 device. . An exemplary personal media device 200 is shown and described in the following co-pending US patent application: These applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES" application number 10/772565, filed February 4, 2004,
・ "PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIEWING CONTENT DURING TRAVEL" Application No. 11/154749, filed June 15, 2005,
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING BROADCAST CONTENT ON A MOBILE PLATFORM DURING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL" Application No. 11/269378, filed November 7, 2005.
The personal media devices 200 are preferably supplied as iPod (R) digital electronic media devices and / or iPhone (R) digital electronic media devices, respectively, manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, California.

Visual content 210 may be recorded (ie, time-delayed) visual content and / or live (ie, real-time) visual content, etc., as described in the above-referenced co-pending US patent applications (below). Of conventional types of audio and / or image visual content.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES" application number 10/772565, filed February 4, 2004,
・ "PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIEWING CONTENT DURING TRAVEL" Application No. 11/154749, filed June 15, 2005,
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING BROADCAST CONTENT ON A MOBILE PLATFORM DURING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL" Application No. 11/269378, filed November 7, 2005.
Exemplary visual content 210 may include television program content, music content, podcast content, photo album content, audio book content, movie content, and / or game content, without limitation.

The visual content 210 preferably includes geographic information as described in US Pat. No. 6,661,353 (below).
・ "METHDO FOR DISPLAYING INTERRACTIVE FLIGHT MAP INFORMATION"
This application is assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. On the other hand, for entertainment content such as live satellite television programs and / or live satellite radio programs, visual content is also as described in US Pat. No. 5,568,484 (below). Preferably, it includes two-way communications, such as real-time access to the Internet 310C (see FIG. 2B) and / or remote communications.
・ "TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE ON COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT AND OTHER VEHICLES"
This application is assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The illustrative visual content shown and described herein is not exhaustive and is presented herein for illustrative purposes only and not for purposes of limitation.

  Information system 100 may be located at a fixed location, such as a building, but information system 100 is preferably applicable to portable system applications. Referring to FIGS. 2A-B, the information system 100 is shown to include a vehicle information system 300 that can be configured to be mounted on a wide variety of vehicles 390. Exemplary types of vehicles may include automobiles 390A (see FIG. 2A), airplanes (see FIG. 2B), buses, RV cars, boats, and / or locomotives, or other types of passenger vehicles without limitation. . When mounted on an airplane, as shown in FIG. 2B, for example, the vehicle information system 300 is a series 2000 manufactured by Panasonic Evionics Corporation of Lake Forest, California (formally known as Matsushita Evionics System Corporation). 3000 and / or a conventional airplane passenger in-flight entertainment system, such as an eX2 in-flight entertainment system.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the vehicle information system 300 communicates with at least one conventional content source 310 and one or more user (ie, passenger) interfaces that communicate via a real-time content distribution system 320. A system 360 is included. Individual content sources 310 may be provided as described in the following co-pending US patent applications: These applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING FILES" application number 10/772565, filed February 4, 2004,
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONTENT ON MOBILE PLATFORMS" Application No. 11/123327, filed May 6, 2005,
・ "PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIEWING CONTENT DURING TRAVEL" Application No. 11/154749, filed June 15, 2005.

  Content source 310 may include one or more internal content sources, such as server system 310A, that may be mounted on vehicle 390, and / or remote (ie, terrestrial) content source 310B that may be external to vehicle 390. obtain. Server system 310A serves as an information system controller providing overall system control functions for vehicle information system 300 and / or for storing pre-programmed content and / or downloaded visual content 210D (FIG. 2A-). It can be provided as at least one media (ie file) server system (as shown in B). An appropriate type of optical media device, such as a digital video disc (DVD) system or compact disc (CD) system, and / or video for recording pre-programmed content and / or downloaded visual content 210D Server system 310A can include one or more conventional peripheral media recording systems (not shown), including a magnetic media system such as a cassette (VCR) system or a hard disk drive (HDD) system, and / or Or you can communicate with them.

  The vehicle information system 300 is configured to distribute and / or present visual content 210 provided by one or more selected content sources 310, and the vehicle information system 300 can communicate via wired communication and / or wireless communication. Via the content source 310 in real time and in any conventional manner. The vehicle information system 300 and the terrestrial content source 310B can communicate in a conventional and / or wireless manner directly and / or indirectly via an intermediate communication system 370, such as, for example, a satellite communication system 370A. This allows the vehicle information system 300 to receive the downloaded visual content 210D from the selected terrestrial content source 310B and / or to transmit the uploaded visual content 210U including navigation and other control instructions to the terrestrial content source 310B. The terrestrial content source 310B is preferably configured to communicate with other terrestrial content sources (not shown). The terrestrial content source 310B is shown in FIG. 2B to provide access to the Internet 310C. Although illustrated and described as including a satellite communication system 370A for exemplary purposes, it will be appreciated that the communication system 370 may be a mobile communication system (not shown) and / or an Aircraft Ground Information System (AGIS) communication system. It may include a conventional type of wireless communication system, such as (not shown).

  To assist in communication with the terrestrial content source 310B, the vehicle information system 300 includes an antenna system 330 and a transceiver system for receiving visual content from a remote (ie, terrestrial) content source 310B as shown in FIGS. 2A-B. 340 may be included. The antenna system 330 is preferably located outside the vehicle 390, such as the outer surface 394 of the fuselage 392 of the airplane 390B. The antenna system 330 receives the visual content 210 from the terrestrial content source 310B, and the received visual system 210 is processed by the transceiver system 340 and provided to the computer system 350 of the vehicle information system 300. The computer system 350 preferably provides the received visual content 210 to the media server system 310A and / or one or more user interfaces 36. Although shown and described as a separate system for illustrative purposes, computer system 350 and media server system 310A may be at least partially integrated.

The vehicle information system components, including content source 310 and user interface system 360, are shown in FIGS. 2A-B as communicating via content distribution system 320. FIG. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary content distribution system 320 for the vehicle information system 300. The content distribution system 320 of FIG. 3 couples and supports communication between a pre-processing system 310H that includes a content source 310 and a plurality of user interface systems 360. The distribution system 320 shown in FIG. 3 may be provided as described in the following co-pending US patent applications and US patents. They are assigned to the assignee of the present application, and each of their disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROUTING COMMUNICATION SIGNALS VIA A DATA DISTRIBUTION NETWORK" Application No. 11/277896, filed March 29, 2006,
・ "INTEGRATED VIDEO AND AUDIO SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE ON COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT AND OTHER VEHICLES" Patent Nos. 5596647, 5617331, 595429.

Distribution system 320 may include a network management system (not shown) provided as described in the following co-pending US patent application: These applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING NETWORK RELIABILITY" application number 10/773523, filed February 6, 2004,
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING NETWORK RELIABILITY" Application No. 11/0851010, filed on March 21, 2005.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution system 320 communicates in real time via a plurality of area distribution boxes (ADB) 322, a plurality of floor disconnect boxes (FDB) 323, and a plurality of wired and / or wireless communication connections 325. It may be set as a plurality of sheet electronic boxes (SEB) (and / or premium sheet electronic boxes) 324 configured to do so. Distribution system 320 may also include a switching system 321 that provides an interface between distribution system 320 and pre-processing system 310H. Switching system 321 may include a conventional switching system, such as an Ethernet switching system, and is configured to couple pre-processing system 310H with area distribution box 322. Each of the area distribution boxes 322 is connected to the switching system 321 to perform communication.

  Next, each of the area distribution systems 322 is connected to at least one floor cutting box 323 for communication. The area distribution box 322 and the associated floor cutting box 323 can be coupled in a conventional configuration, but the related floor cutting box 323 is arranged in a star network topology around the central area distribution box 322 as shown in FIG. May be. Each floor cutting box 323 is connected to a plurality of daisy chain sheet electronic boxes 324 to provide services. Next, the electronic sheet box 324 is configured to communicate with the user interface system 360. Each sheet electronic box 324 can support one or more user interface systems 360.

The floor cutting box 323 is preferably installed and / or interconnected as a routing system, as described in the aforementioned copending US application.
・ "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROUTING COMMUNICATION SIGNALS VIA A DATA DISTRIBUTION NETWORK" Application No. 11/277896, filed March 29, 2006.
Distribution system 320 may include at least one FDB internal port bypass connection 325A and / or at least one SEB loopback connection 325B. Each FDB internal port bypass connection 325A is a communication connection 325 that allows a floor disconnect box 323 associated with another area distribution box 322 to communicate directly. Individual SEB loopback connection 325B is a communication connection 325 that directly connects the last sheet electronic box 324 of the individual daisy chain to a selected floor cutting box 323, as shown in FIG. Thus, the individual SEB loopback connections 325B form a loopback path between the daisy chain sheet electronic boxes 324 connected to the associated floor cutting box 323.

  Returning to FIGS. 2A-B, a user interface system 360 is provided for selecting visual content 210 and showing the selected visual system 210. The user interface system 360 may include a conventional passenger interface, which is described in the aforementioned co-pending US application “PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIEWING CONTENT DURING TRAVEL” application number 11/154749, filed June 15, 2005. In addition, the copending US application “SISTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO TO PASSENGERS ON A MOBILE PLATFORM” application number 60/673171, filed on April 19, 2005 Can be set. The disclosures of those applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  4A is a diagram of a passenger cabin 380 of a passenger vehicle 390, such as an automobile 390A (see FIG. 2A) and / or an airplane 390B (see FIG. 2B), in which the vehicle information system 300 is mounted. Passenger cabin 380 is shown to include a plurality of passenger seats 382, with each passenger seat 382 associated with a selected user interface system 360. Individual user interface system 360 includes an image interface system 362 and / or an audio interface system 364. The exemplary image interface system 362 includes an overhead cabin display system 362A with centralized control, a seat back display system 362B with individual controls or an armrest display system (not shown), a crew display system, and / or a handheld presentation system. May be included. The audio interface system 364 can be configured in a conventional manner and is connected to an overhead speaker system 364A, a handheld presentation system, and / or an audio jack disposed on, for example, an armrest 388 of a passenger seat 382. including. A speaker system, such as a speaker system 364B disposed within the bottom 384B of the passenger seat 382 and / or a speaker system 364C within the headrest 384C of the passenger seat 382, may also be coupled to the passenger seat 382. In a preferred embodiment, the audio interface system 364 may optionally include a noise cancellation system to further improve the sound quality generated by the audio interface system 364.

  The image interface system 362 and the audio interface system 364 are co-pending US applications “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING USER INTERFACE DEVICES” application number 11/828193, filing date July 25, 2007, and “USER INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR”. In a conventional manner, including a mounting system 363 set as described in PRESENTING VIEWING CONTENT "application number 11/835371, application date August 7, 2007, seat back 386, wall 396, ceiling, and / or Or it can be mounted on a suitable cabin surface, such as a bulkhead or an armrest 388 of a passenger seat 382. These applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the user interface system 360 may also include an input system 366 that allows a user (ie, passenger) 700 (see FIG. 6B) to communicate with the vehicle information system 300, such as through the exchange of control signals 220. For example, the input system 366 allows the user 700 to input one or more instructions for controlling the operation of the vehicle information system 300. For example, user instructions 230 control instructions for initializing communication with content source 310, instructions for selecting visual content 210 for presentation, and / or presentation of selected visual content. Instructions may be included. If a fee is required to access visual content 210, payment information may be entered via input system 366.

  The input system 366 may be configured conventionally and typically includes one or more switches (ie, push buttons) such as a keyboard and keypad, and / or a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball or stylus. Input system 366 may be at least partially integrated and / or separable from associated image interface system 362 and / or audio interface system 364. For example, the image interface system 362 and the input system 366 may be set as a touch screen display system. The input system 366 also includes one or more input ports (not shown) for connecting peripheral input devices to the vehicle information system 300, such as a full-size computer keyboard, external mouse, and / or game pad. May be included.

  At least one of the user interface systems 360 includes a wired and / or wireless access point 368, such as a conventional communication port (ie, connector), for coupling the personal media device 200 (see FIG. 4B) with the vehicle information system 300. It is preferable to include. This allows passengers (not shown) traveling on the vehicle to enjoy the visual content that was personally selected during the trip. Access point 368 is located near the associated passenger seat 382 and may be set to a suitable cabin surface, such as seat back 386, wall 396, ceiling, and / or bulkhead.

  Turning to FIG. 4B, the personal media device 200 and the vehicle information system 300 are shown communicating via respective access points 368. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, each of the exemplary personal media devices 200 includes an image display system 240 that visually presents visual content 210 and an audio system 250 that auditorily presents visual content 210. Including. Individual personal media device 200 may include a user control system 260, which may be conventionally configured, and typically includes one or more switches (ie, push buttons) such as a keyboard or keypad. And / or a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball or stylus. As a result, the personal media device 200 can select the desired visual content 210 and control the manner in which the selected visual content 210 is received and / or presented.

  Personal media device 200 also includes a communication port (ie, connector) 270. Communication port 270 allows personal media device 200 to communicate with vehicle information system 300 via access point 368 of user interface system 360. As shown with personal media device 200A, communication port 270 and access point 368 can support wireless communication. In contrast, support for wired communication via communication cable assembly 500 between communication port 270 and access point 368 is shown with personal media device 200B. When the communication port 270 and the access point 368 are in communication, the vehicle information system 300 supports a simple manner in which the associated personal media device 200 can be integrated with the vehicle information system 300 using a user-friendly communication interface. .

  When the personal media device 200 and the vehicle information system 300 are in communication, the vehicle information system 300 can simultaneously perform a plurality of integration operations. At this time, the personal media device 200 transmits the vehicle information via the selected access point 368. It can be fully integrated with the system 300. The system components of the vehicle information system 300 and the personal media device 200 are thereby interchangeable. The personal media device 200 may receive control signals (ie, commands) and / or operating power from the vehicle information system 300. Thus, the personal media device 200 can be a vehicle information system 300 seamless part.

  For example, user instructions 230 (see FIGS. 2A-B) for controlling the operation of the vehicle information system 300 are provided via the input system 366 of the vehicle information system 300 and / or the user control system 260 of the personal media device 200. Can be. In other words, the input system 366 of the vehicle information system 300 and / or the user control system 260 of the personal media device 200 can be used to select the visual content 210, and the selected visual content 210 is received and / or Or it can be used to control the presented scheme. The selected visual content 210 is provided by an associated content source 310 (see FIGS. 2A-B) of the vehicle information system 300 and / or by a recording medium (not shown) located within the personal media device 200. obtain. Thus, the selected image portion of visual content 210 may be shown via image display system 362 of vehicle information system 300 and / or image display system 240 of personal media device 200. The audio presentation system 364 of the vehicle information system 300 and / or the audio system 250 of the personal media device 200 can be used to show the audio portion of the selected visual system 210. If the image display system 240 of the personal media device 200 is much smaller than the vehicle information system 300 image presentation system 362, the passenger will interpret the larger image presentation system 362 and select the selected visual content 210. You may see.

  Personal media device 200 may be stored in passenger seat 382 if it is no longer utilized and / or direct physical contact with personal media device 200 is not otherwise required. For example, the passenger seat 382 may include a storage compartment for storing the personal media device 200. A storage compartment 389 may be provided at an appropriate location on the passenger seat 382, as is conventional. As shown with the passenger seat 382B, the personal media device 200 may be placed in a storage pocket 389B formed in the armrest 388 of the passenger seat 382B. A storage compartment 389 may be provided in the seat back 386 and / or the headrest 384 of the passenger seat 382. For example, the storage compartment 389A of the passenger seat 382A is shown formed in the lower seat back 386 of the passenger seat A. The storage compartment 389 may be any other type of conventional storage, such as an overhead storage compartment, a door storage compartment, a storage compartment provided at the bottom of the passenger seat 382, or a glove compartment, trunk or closet available in the passenger vehicle 390. A storage compartment may be included.

  As described in more detail above, the vehicle information system 300 can communicate with the personal media device 200 in a conventional wired and / or wireless manner. If the personal media device 200 includes an iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 ', for example, the vehicle information system 300 and the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200' can communicate as shown in FIG. An exemplary method for establishing communication between the vehicle information system 300 and the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'is "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING A PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH A VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM" This is shown and described in a case number 700546.4029, filing date September 12, 2008.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary communication cable assembly 500 that supports wired communication between the vehicle information system 300 and the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. The communication cable assembly 500 may include a conventional communication assembly having a communication cable 510 with an appropriate cable length and terminating at two or more connectors (or ports) 520. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication cable 510 is detachably connected to a system communication connector (or port) 520A for releasably connecting to the vehicle information system 300 and the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. And a device communication connector (or port) 520B for termination. Each of system communication connector 520A and device communication connector 520B may include a conventional type of connector system. Although shown and described as being provided on individual opposite end regions of the communication cable assembly 500 for exemplary purposes only, the system and device communication connectors 520A, 520B are shown in a conventional manner. It may be provided in the assembly 500.

  As described above, the communication cable assembly 500 can be utilized to transmit a variety of different signal types, such as audio signals, image signals, data signals, control signals, and power signals. Communication cable 510 is preferably provided to minimize interference between these various signals. The access point 368 of the vehicle information system 300 may be provided as a communication connector (or port) configured to cooperate with the system communication connector 520A. As a result, the access point 368 can receive and connect to the system communication connector 520A. System communication connector 520A can also be removed from access point 368.

  If the personal media device 200 includes an iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ as shown in FIG. 5, the device communication connector 520B of the communication cable assembly 500 is connected to the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. A 30 pin connector suitable for receiving and detachably connecting with the communication connector 270 may be included. In other words, the device communication connector 520B of the communication cable assembly 500 can cooperate with the communication connector 270 of the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 '. The iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ is shown to include an image display system 240, an audio system 250, and a user control system 260, each of which is described in detail above with reference to FIG. 4B. Provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the audio system 250 of the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 'includes at least one audio jack for receiving a headset (not shown). The iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'thereby selects the desired visual content 210 and / or controls the manner in which the selected visual content 210 is received and / or presented. (Ie commands) can be exchanged. The iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'is also shown to receive operating power 220P from the vehicle information system 300.

  When the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ and the vehicle information system 300 are coupled via the communication cable assembly 500, the visual content 210, including on-board service and local visual content, is the iPod®. Selected by user control system 260 of digital electronic media device 200 ′ and presented on image display system 240 and / or audio system 250 of iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. The user control system 260 of the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'may also select and present the visual content 210 provided by the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200'. Because the image display system 240 of the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ is typically much smaller than the image presentation system 362 of the vehicle information system 300, the user (ie, passenger) 700 (see FIG. 6B) can select It may be preferred to view content 210 via a larger image presentation system 362. If the audio presentation system 364 of the vehicle information system 300 includes a sound enhancement system (not shown), such as an optional noise cancellation system, to further improve the sound quality produced by the audio interface system 364, the passenger 700 , May choose to listen to the selected visual content 210 via the audio presentation system 364 rather than the audio system 250 of the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′.

  On the other hand, and / or additionally, the input system 366 of the vehicle information system 300 may select and present visual content 210 from the vehicle information system 300 and / or iPod® digital electronic media device 200 '. The input system 366 can also control the presentation of the visual content 210 selected as described above. In other words, the input system 366 provides control signals (ie, commands) 220, such as user control signals (ie, user control commands) 230, to the vehicle information system 300 and / or the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. Can be given. When in communication with the vehicle information system 300 and controlled by the input system 366, the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ is stored in the storage compartment 389 (see FIGS. 4A-B) provided in the passenger seat 382. 4A-B) during which vehicle information system 300 may continue to communicate with iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ via access point 368. The visual content 210 provided by the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'is stored in the vehicle information system 300 while the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200' is securely housed in the storage compartment 389. It may be viewed via the image presentation system 362 and / or the voice presentation system 363.

  6A-F, the image presentation system 362, the voice presentation system 364, and / or the input system 366 of the vehicle information system 300 are shown as an integrated voice / image presentation system 600. In other words, the image presentation system 362 includes a visual screen disposed on the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 and one or more audio ports (ie, connectors or jacks) 620 (or an internal speaker system). The integrated voice / image presentation system 600 is provided as the voice presentation system 364. This allows selected visual content provided by the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 'when the vehicle information system 300 is in communication with the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200' (see FIG. 5). 210 (see FIGS. 2A-B) may be presented via the visual screen 610 and / or audio jack 620 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600. The integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include one or more types of ports (ie, connectors or jacks) for communicating with a peripheral image presentation system and / or a handheld user control system.

  The integrated audio / image presentation system 600 preferably provides extended visual content presentation capabilities. For example, the visual screen 610 is a high resolution visual screen 610 with a screen size that is larger than the screen size of the image display system 240 (see FIG. 5) of the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ (see FIG. 5). , May be provided. On the other hand, and / or additionally, the audio presentation system 364 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include a conventional noise cancellation system to further improve the sound quality of the visual content 210.

  The integrated audio / image presentation system 600 selects the visual content 210 available from the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ and / or the selected visual content 210 is transmitted by the integrated audio / image presentation system 600. It may be associated with an input system 366 that controls the manner in which it is presented. The image presentation system 362, the voice presentation system 364, and / or the input system 366 of the integrated voice / image presentation system 600 may be at least partially integrated. The image presentation system 362 and the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include, for example, a touch screen display system. Although a conventional touch screen display system can be incorporated into the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, the conventional touch screen display system is difficult to calibrate for use with the vehicle information system 300 and is reliable. Problems can arise.

  The touch screen display system can utilize, for example, capacitive touch screen technology. An example of a capacitive touch screen display system is available from Trident Ltd. of Surrey, England. Elo Touch Systems Inc., Menlo Park, Calif. And TouchKO Inc. of Cedar, Texas. Is manufactured. When the touch screen display system color mask is placed between the touch screen panel and the display, the surface capacitive touch screen display system can be utilized. For illustrative purposes only, shown and described to include capacitive touch screen technology, but utilizes other touch screen technologies such as resistive touch screen technology and / or infrared (IR) touch screen technology A touch screen display system may be provided.

  The visual screen 610 and audio jack 620 (or internal speaker system) of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may be mounted in the same planar configuration. In other words, an audio jack 620 (or internal speaker system) may be provided in the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 flush with the visual screen 610. At least one opening (not shown) may be formed in the visual screen 610 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 for receiving the audio jack 620 (or internal speaker system). This allows the audio jack 620 (or internal speaker system) to be received by and / or disposed within the opening. The use of surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology further ensures that the visual screen 610 operates properly after the opening is formed. The capacitive touch screen display system may be provided with sufficient power to operate through the aperture and / or film overlay (not shown). The film overlay may be arranged in any manner on the capacitive touch screen display system and may be behind or in front of the touch screen panel.

  FIG. 6A illustrates that the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can include one or more user controls provided in a proper rope configuration. For example, the input system 366 may include an image control system 630 that controls playback of visual content 210 (see FIGS. 2A-B), such as via a conventional scroll bar 210S (see FIG. 4F). The exemplary audio control system 640 of the input system 366 includes a first button 640A that increases the volume of the audio portion of the visual content 210 and / or a second button 640B that decreases the volume of the audio portion as a volume control system. It is shown. The input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include at least one other user control. The integrated audio / image presentation system 600 of FIG. 6A is shown having a power control system 650, such as an on / off button. If installed in a passenger vehicle, the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include an onboard service control system 655 that controls one or more onboard passenger services. The onboard service control system 655 is shown in FIG. 6A as including a flight attendant call button 655A, a canceled flight attendant call button 655B, and / or a sheet lighting system control button 655C.

  In addition to the visual content 210 available from the connected personal media device 200 and / or iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ (see FIG. 5), the visual content 210 (see FIG. 5) available in the vehicle information system 300 2A-B) can be selected and presented in a conventional manner. Since the personal media device 200, such as the iPod® digital electronic media device 200, typically may include personally prepared visual content 210, the visual content 210 provided by the selected personal media device 200 is passenger ( That is, it is only available on the associated passenger seat 382 (see FIGS. 4A-B) inside the vehicle 390 (see FIGS. 2A-B) to protect the privacy of the user 700 (see FIG. 7B), preferable. However, the visual content 210 provided by the selected personal media device 200 may also be made available in other passenger seats 382 within the vehicle 390. For example, if two or more passengers 700 are traveling in a group, the passengers of that group share visual content 210 from their personal media device 200 with each other via the vehicle information system 300. I want to do that. Therefore, the passenger 700 may use the visual content 210 on his personal media device 200 to select one or more selected passengers 700 (or selected passenger seats 382) via the vehicle information system 300 during the trip. Can be made available to

  The integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can present a menu system that selects, for example, visual content 210 (see FIGS. 2A-B) available in the vehicle information system 300. In one embodiment, the menu system can include a hierarchical (or sequential) menu system. Referring to FIG. 6B, the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 includes various types of visual content 210 and / or various types of content sources 310 (see FIGS. 2A-B) associated with the vehicle information system 300. A menu system 660 can be presented that includes a list of related content indexes 665. Exemplary types of content index 665 may include a shopping content index 665A, at least one iPod ™ digital electronic media device content index 665B, and / or a television / movie content index 665C.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the content index 665 includes visual content 210 that is available in a conventional manner, including text that includes words and abbreviations, and / or at least one symbol that identifies the visual content 210 that is available. Can be specified. The text description may be in one or more related languages and is preferably interchangeable so that the appropriate language is presented based on the geographic location of the vehicle information system 300. The user 700 can navigate the content menu system 660 via an input system 366 (see FIG. 6A), such as a touch screen display, of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, thereby allowing the input of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600. By selecting (or activating) the associated content index 665 via the system 366 (see FIG. 6A), the associated type of visual content 210 and / or content source 310 can be selected.

  When the iPod® digital electronic media device content index (see FIG. 6B) is activated, the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can present an iPod® content menu system 670 as shown in FIG. 6C. The iPod (R) content menu system 670 is the various types of visual content 210 () that are available from the associated iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 '(see FIG. 5) in communication with the vehicle information system 300. 2A-B) is shown to include a list of multiple iPod® content indexes 675 associated with. Exemplary types of iPod (R) content index 675 include iPod (R) music content index 675A, iPod (R) photo content index 675B, iPod (R) image content index 675C, and / or iPod ( Registered trademark) extra content index 675D.

  The vehicle information system 300 downloads the visual content menu structure from the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 ', and the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 uses the iPod (R) visual content menu structure based on the iPod (R) visual content menu structure. Preferably, a trademark content menu system 670 is generated. The iPod (R) content menu system 670 thereby allows for other iPod (R) digital electronic media device options, such as the iPod (R) Settings Index 675E and / or the iPod (R) Shuffle Song Index 675F. Additional iPod (R) content index 675 may be included. The user 700 can navigate the iPod® content menu system 670 via the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, which allows the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 (see FIG. 6A). By selecting (or activating) the associated iPod® content index 675 via, the associated type of iPod® visual content 210 can be selected.

  FIG. 6D shows the iPod® image content menu system 680 presented by the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 when the iPod® image content index 675C (see FIG. 6C) is activated. The iPod® image content menu system 680 includes various types of image visual content 210 (see FIGS. 2A-B) that are available from the associated iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ (see FIG. 5). A list of a plurality of related iPod® image content indexes 685 may be included. As shown in FIG. 6D, the iPod (R) image content index system 685 of the iPod (R) image content menu system 680 includes an iPod (R) movie content index 685B, an iPod (R) music video content index 685C, An iPod (R) television program content index 685D and / or an iPod (R) video podcast content index 685E may be included.

  Since the vehicle information system 300 preferably downloads the visual content menu structure from the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′, the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 is based on the iPod® visual content menu structure. Thus, an iPod (registered trademark) video content menu system 680 can be generated. This allows the iPod (R) video content menu system 680 to enable other iPod (R) digital electronic media, such as the iPod (R) video playlist index 675F and / or the iPod (R) video settings index 685F. An additional iPod® video content index 685 for device options may be included. As previously described, the iPod® video content menu system 680 is navigated through the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 and the associated type of video visual content 210 is integrated audio / image Via the input system 366 (see FIG. 6A) of the image presentation system 600, it can be selected by selecting (ie, activating) the associated iPod® video content index 685.

  Referring to FIG. 6E, an integrated audio / image presentation system 600 is shown to present an iPod® movie content menu system 690. When the iPod® movie content index 685D (see FIG. 6D) is selected (ie, activated) via the input system 366 (see FIG. 6A) of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, the integrated audio. The image presentation system 600 preferably presents an iPod® movie content menu system 690. The iPod® movie content menu system 690 provides various types (ie titles) of movie visual content 210 (FIG. 2A) available from the associated iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ (see FIG. 5). A list of multiple iPod® movie content indexes 695 associated with (see -B). As shown in FIG. 6E, the movie content index 695 of the iPod® movie content menu system 690 is the selected title of the movie visual content 210 available from the associated iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. Movie content index 695A-H associated with the.

  As previously described, the vehicle information system 300 can download the visual content menu structure from the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 ', and the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can be used with the iPod (R) visual content menu. Based on the structure, an iPod® movie content menu system 690 can be generated. The iPod® movie content menu system 690 is navigated through the input system 366 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 and activates the associated iPod® movie content index 695 as described above. The associated title of movie visual content 210 may be selected. When the iPod (R) movie content index 695D is selected, for example, the movie visual content 210A associated with the iPod (R) movie content index 695D becomes the iPod (R) digital electronic media device 200 '(see FIG. 5). And can be presented via the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 as shown in FIG. 6F. Movie visual content 210A provided by the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′ is stored in the passenger compartment (see FIGS. 4A-B) 389 (FIG. 4A) associated with the iPod® digital electronic media device 200 ′. -B) may be selected and / or presented via the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 of the vehicle information system 300 while being securely housed inside.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the audio port (or connector) 620 of the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can include at least one breakaway communication connector system 800. Breakaway communication connector system 800 can removably connect peripheral audio presentation system 624 with integrated audio / image presentation system 600. Breakaway communication connector system 800 can immediately leave integrated voice / image presentation system 600 to facilitate the replacement of a broken communication jack, thereby ensuring passenger safety in the unlikely event of an emergency. In a preferred embodiment, the breakaway communication connector system 800 can provide operating power to the ambient audio presentation system 624. As a result, the peripheral voice presentation device 624 to which power is supplied, such as noise canceling headphones, can receive operating power via the breakaway communication connector system 800.

  Peripheral audio presentation system 624 may include conventional types of audio presentation systems, such as headphones, speakers, and / or amplifiers. As shown in FIG. 7A, the peripheral audio presentation system 624 has a communication cable 628 of an appropriate cable length and terminates at a peripheral communication connector (or port) 626. Peripheral communication connector 626 can cooperate (or be detachably coupled) with system communication connector (or port) 622 of integrated audio / image presentation system 600. The communication connectors 622, 626 are connected non-fixed and, if necessary, are immediately separated to form a breakaway communication connector system 800. Peripheral audio presentation system 624 and integrated audio / image presentation system 600 can thereby communicate via breakaway communication connector system 800.

  A conventional voice presentation system, such as a set of headphones with a standard audio plug, may be adapted to work with the breakaway communication system connector system 800. For example, an interface device (not shown) may provide an interface between the audio plug of a conventional voice presentation system and the system communication connector 622 of the breakaway communication connector system 800. The interface device can work with an audio plug of a conventional voice presentation system and can include a peripheral communication connector 626 for coupling with the system communication connector 622. On the other hand, and / or additionally, a conventional voice presentation system may be provided with an audio plug configured to cooperate with the breakaway communication connector system 800. For the convenience of the user (ie passenger) 700 (see FIG. 6B), a standard jack may be provided on the passenger seat (see FIGS. 4A-B) and / or one or more breakaway communication connector systems. 800 may be associated with the passenger seat 382.

  For illustrative purposes only, the peripheral audio presentation system 624 is shown and described as being coupled to the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, but may include conventional types including a peripheral image presentation system and / or a handheld user control system. The breakaway communication connector system 800 can be utilized to connect the peripheral presentation system to the information system 100 and can be placed on a suitable mounting surface. In other words, if the information system 100 is mounted on the vehicle 390 (see FIGS. 2A-B), the seat back (see FIG. 4A-B), the armrest 388 (see FIG. 2A-B), the wall 396 (FIG. 4A-B). Breakaway communication connector system 800 may be provided on a suitable passenger cabin surface, such as a ceiling) and / or a bulkhead. An exemplary handheld user control system is disclosed in the above referenced related non-provisional patent application “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING A PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH A VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM”, patent attorney case number 700546.4029, filing date September 12, 2008. And “PORTABLE USER CONTROL DEVICE METHOD FOR VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS”, patent attorney case number 700546.4039, filing date September 12, 2008.

  The breakaway communication connector system 800 preferably utilizes a magnet system 810 that provides magnets that connect the communication connectors 622, 626, as shown in FIG. 7B. Referring to FIG. 7B, system communication connector 622 of integrated audio / image presentation system 600 may include a plurality of system contacts 820 and a system magnet system 814. System contact 820 and system magnet system 814 are preferably disposed within housing assembly 605 of integrated audio / image presentation system 600. For example, the system contact 820 and the system magnet system 814 can be disposed within a system bezel 840 that is disposed within the housing assembly 605.

  Peripheral communication connector 626 of peripheral presentation system 624 may similarly be provided as a plurality of peripheral contacts 830 and peripheral magnet system 812. The peripheral contacts 830 are configured to cooperate with the system contacts 820 when the communication connectors 622, 626 are coupled. On the other hand, the system magnet system 814 and the peripheral magnet system 812 are configured to cooperate. As shown in FIG. 7B, the peripheral contacts 830 and the peripheral magnet system 812 can be disposed within the peripheral connector housing 626A. Peripheral connector housing 626A is preferably configured to cooperate with at least one mating system surface 850 of housing assembly 605 of integrated audio / image presentation system 600. Thus, when the peripheral communication connector 626 is coupled to the integrated audio / image presentation system 600, the mating peripheral mating system 626B cooperates with the mating system surface 850 to ensure proper alignment between the system contact 82 and the peripheral contact 830. And / or helps to ensure proper placement between the peripheral magnet system 812 and the system magnet system 814.

  The mating system surface 850 includes, for example, a mating peripheral mating surface 626B and / or an extension 852 formed by the mating peripheral mating surface 626B received within the opening 626C, as shown in FIG. 7B. A recess (not shown) for receiving can be formed. The mating surfaces 626B, 850 may be provided through one or more sets of cooperating detents for connecting the peripheral connector housing 626 and the housing assembly 605. Here, the term “detent” refers to a block, tab, pocket, slot that selectively or automatically engages and / or disengages to connect or disconnect the peripheral connector housing 626 and the housing assembly 605. A combination of fitting parts such as a lamp, a lock pin, a cantilever member, and a support pin. Of course, the cooperative detents shown and described below are merely exemplary and are not exhaustive. Thus, the breakaway communication connector system 800 allows the peripheral communication connector 626 to be immediately disconnected from the system communication connector 622 to ensure passenger safety in the event of an emergency, while the peripheral communication connector 626 has It is preferable to support electrical communication between contact 830 and system contact 820 of system communication connector 622.

  In a preferred embodiment, system contact 820 may be provided on a system printed circuit board (PCB) and / or peripheral contact 830 may be provided on a peripheral printed circuit board (PCB). The breakaway communication connector system 800 can thereby provide a flat surface-to-surface contact between the communication connectors 622, 626. The PCB assembly 825 and peripheral PCB assembly 835 may be provided in a conventional manner and are preferably provided as a flat flexible printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. If provided as a flat flexible PCB assembly, peripheral PCB assembly 835 is utilized to connect the audio conductor within communication cable 628 (shown in FIG. 7A) to peripheral communication connector 626 of peripheral audio presentation system 624. obtain. Discrete wires (not shown) may be used. When the image information system (see FIGS. 4A-B) is configured as a touch screen display system, the touch screen display system needs to define an internal physical space that houses the wiring associated with the system communication connector 622. By utilizing a flat flexible PCB assembly with the system communication connector 622, the internal physical space can be minimized.

  The system contacts 820 of the system communication connector 622 may be disposed on the system PCB assembly 825 in a conventional manner or contact configuration. Peripheral contact 830 of peripheral communication connector 626 may be disposed on peripheral PCB assembly 835 in a conventional manner or contact configuration. When system communication connector 622 and peripheral communication connector 626 are coupled, peripheral contact 830 is configured to cooperate (or communicate) with system contact 820. In other words, the system contact 820 of the system communication connector 622 and the peripheral contact 830 of the associated peripheral communication connector 626 are preferably provided with the same contact configuration.

  Exemplary contact configurations for system contacts 820 and peripheral contacts 830 are shown in FIGS. 8A-G. Although shown and described with reference to the system contacts 820 of the system communication connector 622 for illustration only, the example contact configurations can be equally applied to the peripheral contacts 830 of the peripheral communication connector 626. The exemplary contact configurations shown and described herein are not exhaustive and are presented here for illustration only and not for limitation.

  With reference to FIG. 8A, system contacts 820 of system communication connector 622 may be provided in a concentric (ie, target) contact configuration. The contact configuration of FIG. 8A includes a central system contact 826 disposed within one or more circular system contacts 822, 824. Circular system contacts 822, 824 may be provided with a uniform system contact width as indicated by system contact 824 and / or with a different system contact width as indicated by system contacts 822, 824. In other words, the contact configuration of the system contact 820 may be provided with an appropriate cross section. As shown in FIG. 8A, the selected circular system contact 824 forms a single (or continuous) contact in the shape of a full circle, and the selected circular system contact 822 is a double in the shape of a semicircle. One or more contacts 822A, 822B may be included. The spacing between adjacent system contacts 822, 824, 826 is shown uniformly in FIG. 8A and / or differently in FIG. 8B. Thus, the system communication connector 622 is contacted to each of the system contacts 822, 824, 826 using the continuous contact surface of the system contacts 822, 824, 826 in the concentric contact configuration of FIG. 8A. It is preferable to help guarantee.

  The concentric contact configuration system contacts 822, 824, 826 shown in FIG. 8A support peripheral audio presentation devices 624 (see FIG. 7A), including powered peripheral audio presentation devices, such as noise-canceling headphones. Sufficient system contacts 820 are provided. Thus, the system communication connector 622 (see FIGS. 7A-B) leaves the possibility that the device communication connector 626 (see FIGS. 7A-B) can rotate with respect to the system communication connector 622 via at least one rotational axis, Sufficient system contacts may be provided to support power generation for signal generation and operation of powered peripheral audio presentation devices. The concentric contact configuration of system contacts 822, 824, 826 can provide consistent performance for all connector arrangements.

  Alternatively, or in addition, the system contact 820 may be provided with the concentric (ie, target) contact configuration shown in FIG. 8C. Referring to FIG. 8C, the contact configuration is a central system contact disposed within one or more semicircular system contacts 822, 824, as described in detail with reference to the contact configuration of FIG. 8A. 826. As described above, the semicircular system contacts 822, 824 are provided with a uniform system contact width as indicated by the system contact 824 and / or with a different system contact width as indicated by the system contact 822, 824. Can be. The spacing between adjacent system contacts 822, 824, 826 is shown uniformly in FIG. 8C and / or differently in FIG. 8D.

  The system contacts 822, 824, 826 may be provided with suitable contact configurations and / or shapes. For example, FIG. 8E shows a contact configuration for a system contact 820 that includes a plurality of linear central system contacts 824 disposed within one or more circular system contacts 822. Circular system contact 822 may be provided as described in detail with reference to the contact configuration of FIG. 8A. The straight central system contact 824 may be provided as a system contact 824 in a parallel configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 8F, the illustrated contact configuration includes a central system contact 826 disposed within one or more circular system contacts 822. A plurality of internal system contacts 824 are shown disposed within the circular system contact 822 about the central system contact 826. The internal system contacts 824 may be uniformly disposed around the central system contact 826 as shown in FIG. 8F and / or may be unevenly disposed around the central system contact 826. Central system contact 826 and internal system contact 824 may be arranged in a desired shape and / or size. As shown in FIG. 8F, for example, each of the central system contact 826 and the internal system contact 824 is provided as a circular system contact. Internal system contact 824 is shown in FIG. 8G as being provided as a pie-shaped system contact.

  A Z-axis film (not shown) can be applied to the breakaway communication connector system 800 and may be applied to the peripheral contact 830 of the peripheral communication connector 626 (see FIGS. 7A-B). The Z-axis film allows the electric signal to pass through the Z-axis Z-axis film or suppresses the electric signal from spreading to a nearby conductor (ie, contact or trace). An exemplary Z-axis film is manufactured from PariPoser® material by Paticon Technologies Corporation of Fall River, Massachusetts. Z-axis films include highly organized conductor columns of spherical particles supported by an elastomeric matrix that provides compliant interconnections. PariPoser® material has not solidified and has been tested for 5000 cycles. PariPoser® material can form a slightly softer layer that can balance any unevenness. Optionally, one or more special solder layers are placed on the conductors (ie, contacts or traces) of the peripheral PCB assembly 835 (see FIG. 7B) to provide a flat coupling surface with the peripheral PCB assembly 835. It is also possible. A special solder layer can increase the aesthetic appearance of the peripheral communication connector 626 by changing the color of the conductor (ie, contact or trace) to silver.

  Referring to FIG. 9, a general hardware (or circuit board) architecture 900 for implementing an integrated audio / image presentation system 600 is shown. The hardware architecture 900 may include a plurality of user interface systems 910, which makes the hardware architecture 900 highly adaptable. One or more interface systems 910 may be removed from the hardware architecture 900 for the selected application. As shown in FIG. 9, an exemplary user interface system 910 includes one or more audio, such as a stereo (or monaural) headphone jack (or connector) 910A1 and / or an auxiliary input / output audio connector 910A2. Interface system 910A may be included. The user interface system 910A may include at least one data interface system 910B. The data interface system 910B can include a conventional data interface system, including a universal serial bus (USB) data interface system 910B1 and / or an Ethernet data interface system 910B2.

  One or more data interface systems 910B may be configured to communicate with a communication network (not shown). The communication network can be any type of telephone network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), campus area network (CAN), personal area network (PAN), and / or wireless local area network (WLAN). Can be provided as a conventional wired and / or wireless communication network. Exemplary wireless local area networks are also known as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.11, and / or WiMax Wireless Broadband, Includes a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) that conforms to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.16. Preferably, the communication network is configured to support high data rates, and the communication network has a typical data rate of at least about 100 megabits per second (100 Mbps) (such as 100Base-X and / or 100Base-T). ) Any type of high speed Ethernet communication network and / or a high speed Ethernet network such as a Gigabit Ethernet communication network (such as 1000Base-X and / or 1000Base-T) It is preferable to include. A system in which free space optical (or laser) technology, millimeter wave (or microwave) technology, and / or ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) technology is selected to achieve high data transfer rates in a wireless communication environment. It may be used to communicate with a resource, vehicle information system 300, one or more content sources 310 (see FIGS. 2A-B) and / or 310C.

  The user interface system 910 may include at least one interface system 910C for coupling the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 with the personal media device 200. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, interface system 910C can couple integrated audio / image presentation system 600 with iPod® digital electronic media device 200 '. The interface system 910C is shown and described in the above-referenced “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING A PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICE WITH A PASENNGER INFORMATION SYSTEM”, patent attorney case number 700546.4029, filing date September 12, 2008, It can be provided in a conventional manner. The iPod® digital electronic media device 200 'can thereby communicate with the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 as described in more detail above. An exemplary software architecture 920 for implementing the integrated audio / image presentation system 600 via the hardware architecture 900 is shown in FIG. 6A.

  The described embodiments are capable of various modifications and variations, and specific examples thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail in the specification. However, it should be understood that the described embodiments are not to be limited to the particular forms or methods of disclosure, and conversely, the current disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. It should be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information system, 200 ... Portable media device, 300 ... Vehicle information system.

Claims (50)

A user interface system suitable for using an information system in communication with a content source, the presentation system comprising:
An access point connecting the personal media device with the information system;
A user control system for selecting visual content available from a personal media device for presentation and controlling the presentation of the selected visual content;
An image presentation system for presenting an image portion of the selected visual content;
An audio presentation system for presenting an audio portion of selected visual content;
When the personal media device and the information system communicate via the access point, the personal media device is integrated with the information system,
The presenting system is a user interface system that selects and presents selected visual content and visual content available from the content source. The user interface system according to claim 1, wherein the access point includes a wired access point that connects the personal media device to the information system via a communication cable. The user interface system according to claim 2, wherein the wired access point includes at least one breakaway communication connector system. The user interface system according to claim 1, wherein the user control system and the image presentation system are at least partially integrated into a touch screen display system. The user interface system according to claim 1, wherein operation of the personal media device is controlled by the user control system. The user interface system according to claim 1, wherein the voice presentation system includes a communication connector system. The user interface system according to claim 6, wherein the communication connector system includes a breakaway communication connector system. 8. The user interface system according to claim 7, wherein the breakaway communication connector system includes a system communication connector that cooperates with a peripheral communication connector of a peripheral voice presentation system. 9. The user interface system according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral voice presentation system is selected from a peripheral group consisting of a headphone, a speaker, and an amplifier. 9. The user interface system according to claim 8, wherein the peripheral voice presentation system includes a powered peripheral voice presentation system, and operating power is supplied to the powered peripheral voice presentation system via the system communication connector. . The user interface system according to claim 10, wherein the peripheral voice presentation system to which power is supplied is a noise-canceling headphone. The system communication connector includes a plurality of system contacts and a system magnet system, the system contacts cooperate with a plurality of peripheral contacts of the peripheral communication connector, and the system magnet system is a peripheral magnet system of the peripheral communication connector The user interface system according to claim 8, further comprising a magnet connected to the user interface. The user interface system of claim 12, wherein the system contact is disposed on a system printed circuit board and the peripheral contact is disposed on a peripheral printed circuit board. The user interface system of claim 13, wherein the system magnet system is disposed around the system contact and the peripheral magnet system is disposed around the peripheral contact. The image presentation system receives and presents a menu structure of visual content available from the personal media device, and the user control system selects the selected visual content via the menu structure. The described user interface system. 2. The personal media device of claim 1, selected from a device group consisting of a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, an MP3 device, and an iPod (R) digital electronic media device. User interface system. A method of integrating a personal media device with an information system in communication with a content source, comprising:
Providing a communication cable assembly for coupling the personal media device with an access point of the information system;
Providing a user control system for selecting visual content available from the personal media device for presentation and a content presentation system for presenting the selected visual content under control of the user control system;
Integrating the personal media device with the information system when the personal media device and the information system are communicating via the communication cable assembly;
A method in which the content presentation system selects and presents selected visual content and visual content available from the content source via the user control system. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein integrating the personal media device with the information system comprises the operation of the personal media device being controlled via the user control system. Integrating the personal media device with the information system receives and presents a menu structure of visual content available from the personal media device, and the user control system sends the selected visual content via the menu structure. The method of claim 17, comprising the step of: 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a breakaway communication connector system that includes a system communication connector that cooperates with a peripheral communication connector of the peripheral voice presentation system. In an information system suitable for mounting on a vehicle,
A head-end system that provides an overall system control function for the vehicle information system and is in communication with the content source;
An access point connecting the headend system and the personal media device;
A user interface system that selects visual content available from the personal media device for presentation and controls presentation of the selected visual content, and content that presents the selected visual content A user interface system including a presentation system;
A distribution system that communicates with the headend system, the user interface system, and the access point;
When the personal media device and the information system communicate via the access point, the personal media device is integrated with the information system,
The presentation system is an information system that selects and presents selected visual content and visual content available from the content source via the user control system. The information system of claim 21, wherein the content source is at least partially incorporated into the headend system. The information system of claim 21, wherein the headend system communicates with a remote content source. 24. The information system of claim 23, wherein the remote content source provides internet content to the information system for presentation via the content presentation system. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the content presentation system includes an audio presentation system for presenting an audio portion of the selected visual content. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the content presentation system includes an image presentation system that presents an image portion of the selected visual content. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the distribution system includes a wired communication distribution system. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the access point includes a wired communication access point that connects the personal media device to the information system via a communication cable. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the user control system and the content presentation system are at least partially integrated in a touch screen display system. The information system according to claim 21, wherein operation of the personal media device is controlled by the user control system. The information system according to claim 21, wherein the voice presentation system includes a breakaway communication connector system including a system communication connector that cooperates with a peripheral communication connector of the peripheral voice presentation system. 32. The information system according to claim 31, wherein the peripheral voice presentation system includes a powered peripheral voice presentation system, and operating power is supplied to the powered peripheral voice presentation system via the system communication connector. The information system according to claim 32, wherein the power-supplied peripheral voice presentation system is a noise-canceling headphone. The system communication connector includes a plurality of system contacts and a system magnet system, and the system contacts cooperate with a plurality of peripheral communication connectors of the peripheral communication connector, and the system magnet system includes a peripheral magnet of the peripheral communication connector. 32. The information system of claim 31, wherein a magnet is provided for coupling with the system. 35. The information system of claim 34, wherein the system contact is disposed on a system printed circuit board and the peripheral contact is disposed on a peripheral printed circuit board. 36. The information system of claim 35, wherein the system magnet system is disposed about the system contact and the peripheral magnet system is disposed about the peripheral contact. The image presentation system receives and presents a menu structure of visual content available from the personal media device, and the user control system selects the selected visual content via the menu structure. The described information system. The information system according to claim 37, wherein the menu structure is a hierarchical menu structure.   The information system according to claim 21, which is suitable for being mounted on an airplane. On an airplane
A fuselage and a plurality of passenger seats disposed within the fuselage;
Vehicle information system connected to the aircraft,
The vehicle information system is
A content source,
A headend system providing an overall system control function for the vehicle information system;
An access point connecting the headend system and the personal media device;
A user interface system that selects visual content available from the personal media device for presentation and controls presentation of the selected visual content, and content that presents the selected visual content A user interface system including a presentation system;
A distribution system in communication with the content source, the headend system, the access point, and the user interface system;
When the personal media device and the information system communicate via the access point, the personal media device is integrated with the information system,
The presentation system is an airplane that selects and presents selected visual content and visual content available from the content source via the user control system. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, further comprising a storage compartment for storing the personal media device and disposed in one of the passenger seats. 42. The aircraft of claim 41, wherein the storage compartment is located near an armrest of the selected passenger seat. 42. The aircraft of claim 41, wherein the storage compartment is disposed in one of a seat back and a headrest of a nearby passenger seat. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the user control system is separate from the personal media device. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the user control system is set on an armrest of the selected passenger seat. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the user control system is disposed on one of a seat back and a headrest of a nearby passenger seat. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the user control system provides a control signal to the personal media device via the access point, and the control signal controls operation of the personal media device. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the access point is located in the user interface system. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the access point is disposed on one of a seat back and a headrest of a nearby passenger seat. 41. The aircraft of claim 40, wherein the access point is located on an armrest of the selected passenger seat.

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